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Examples
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The dial had no letter "q," and as the man was described as a quaker the word was sent "kwaker."
The Story of Electricity John Munro 1889
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The quaker was a London merchant, who had been at Deal superintending the repairs of a ship which had suffered by a storm in the Downs.
The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Complete Tobias George Smollett 1746
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The quaker was a London merchant, who had been at Deal superintending the repairs of a ship which had suffered by a storm in the Downs.
The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Volume 01 Tobias George Smollett 1746
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United States had a "quaker" navy; the result being that, not the enemy, but our own people were deceived.
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In two of the embrasures shown in our Illustration are two of the famous "quaker" guns, made of logs, which the Con -
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Insidious Prophet says: tombaker says: the quaker oat guy?
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The quaker view that you are not supposed to swear oaths has some pretty obvious scriptural backing in the sermon on the mount, but I am unaware of any Christian denominiation at least that opposes the ninth commandment.
The Volokh Conspiracy » Not the Best Way to Inspire Confidence 2010
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The quaker view that you are not supposed to swear oaths has some pretty obvious scriptural backing in the sermon on the mount, but I am unaware of any Christian denominiation at least that opposes the ninth commandment.
The Volokh Conspiracy » Not the Best Way to Inspire Confidence 2010
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If you had to choose between two applicants to be foster parents, would you choose the quaker family or a non-religious family that was relatively unremarkable?
Think Progress » Maryland Foster Agency Won’t Allow Muslim Mother To Foster A Child 2010
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Would a stereotypical quaker family be a good foster care applicant in your estimation?
Think Progress » Maryland Foster Agency Won’t Allow Muslim Mother To Foster A Child 2010
chained_bear commented on the word quaker
Okay, I know that Quaker is not the preferred term for a person who is a member of the Society of Friends. I know that they prefer to be called Friends. And I know that "Quaker" was originated by people who intended to belittle the religion and its practitioners. I know that the guy on the oatmeal box is not the ideal.
However, I have been under the impression for many years that "Quaker" is not, any longer, exactly a pejorative. In fact it seems to be most frequently used, in the texts (history books, etc.) that I've encountered, in instances where "Friends" would make little sense (e.g. to students who don't know what Quakers are).
But someone just told me it's insulting and pejorative. I'm guessing that those who have the power to approve these (history/educational) texts I'm editing are going to insist we call them Quakers. Among our enlightened and helpful Wordizens, is there anyone who can shed some more light on this issue?
January 16, 2009
reesetee commented on the word quaker
In my work, I've never had anyone suggest a problem with "Quaker," even though, as you point out, it was originally a pejorative term. I think it's generally accepted today by most. However, as you also point out, it's not the preferred term for Friends themselves. In such cases, I go with the term preferred by the people described--in this case, Friends--even if "Quaker" is acceptable.
Of course, the initial cap helps, but could you possibly take space to spell out "a member of the Society of Friends" and then simply say "Friend" or "Friends" in subsequent mentions?
January 16, 2009
rolig commented on the word quaker
I went to a Quaker school and for a number of years attended a Quaker meeting (i.e. what Quakers call church), and I never met a Friend who was offended by the word. They even use it regularly themselves, though Friend is the preferred term. Still, I have heard Friends speak of "Quakerly" behavior or "Quakerly" ways of doing things. The organization's website, www.quaker.org is here, and they use the word throughout. Also Quaker blogs are to found at Planet Quaker. So I think you can use "Quaker" safely, but somewhere in the text it should be made clear, as reesetee says, that this term refers to a member of the Religious Society of Friends".
January 16, 2009
reesetee commented on the word quaker
Thanks, r, for that insight.
January 16, 2009
chained_bear commented on the word quaker
Thanks, rolig. That's what is done in the text—the first appearance of "Quaker" is preceded by "Society of Friends" and in fact Quaker is parenthetical. But since it is used in so many places, it's impossible to replace every instance with "Friend" (nor is it desirable to do so, for clarity's sake).
January 16, 2009